Part 1

Architectural Inspiration: Exterior

As promised, another inspired home. It's everyone's favorite thing about The French Tangerine... and also mine. The opportunity to peek into someone else's home is unique, and I am so grateful when people "get it" and are willing to share their personal space and belongings in such an intimate and special way. It's all about getting inspired... recognizing and appreciating a shared love of home. 

This lovely home belongs to a longtime dear friend. Our kids are friends and my guess is that their kids will be friends. She is a wonderful mother, a fabulous artist, and has a heart of gold. Her home is one of the most special and unique I've ever encountered. Spirited when it comes to decorating, her keen sense of design and great taste are evident in everything she does. Mixing serious and fun is not easy, but you will see it done at it's best in this home. 

Luckily, there weren't many restrictions on where I could take photos. The result? A series of posts as I couldn't possibly share such volume appropriately in a single post. This home warrants loving attention, and will be better appreciated in parts. 

I'll begin with the exterior, properly setting the stage for what's to come. This home owner has a distinct fascination with architecture as is evident in the attention to detail throughout the home. Exploring the exterior, we were met with charming surprises around every turn. 

Architectural elements are tastefully and brilliantly incorporated into the stonework... 

I almost missed this camouflaged face...

Love him!

Another fascination? Doors. You will find exactly zero boring doors in this house. The front door shown here is a good indication of what can be found on the inside.

Beautiful antique accents are found throughout the property...

OMG

Check out the cupola. Tulips hang daintily complete with delicate stamen...

Adjacent to the gorgeous home are garages and patio and a pool...

Not necessarily recognizable as such...

The pool is up the steps to the left...

It's difficult to describe the magnitude of this vast property. Allow me to back up and share the entrance...

Driving through the trees, playful bears entertain guests...

Just when you think you might be lost, there it is...

The views are impressive everywhere you look. Truly breathtaking... 

Adorable doggies! 

This is the perfect introduction to what's inside. You are in for a real treat my friends! Architectural Inspiration: Part 2 coming up...